Hello everyone!
Earlier in the year I came to this community to perform research concerning stargazing on an emotional level, where I received some incredibly helpful insights on the subject. At the time I was completing my final project studying BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design at Nottingham Trent University, where I was investigating ways the experience of naked-eye stargazing could be enhanced. Now this project is complete, I'd like to share the outcome: A Stargazer*s Chair.
While for many of us the night sky provides an opportunity for observation and understanding though scientific lenses, there persists a deep emotional connection many of us feel while observing a starry night sky. To lay back and take in the sky though the naked eye has for myself and many others provided an opportunity to ponder, reflect, and feel relief and contentment through times of tribulation. Yet to do so in comfort sacrifices the freedom of exploration had with a telescope or binoculars. What does a scientific perspective have to give to the human experience of stargazing? What if you could be the telescope?
A Stargazer*s Chair is an expression of an idea: To bestow the sitter of a chair control of their own night sky. Built from weather resistant western red cedar, aluminium, and stainless steel, the chair defines a persistent space in a garden for spontaneous use without cumbersome nightly setup. When mounted, the sitter gains the ability to orient themselves how they desire, or track objects through their transit across the sky, all while remaining in comfort.
With a design based upon the Dobsonian telescope, the chair can be rotated in two axes by the sitter. Vertical handles are pushed against to recline the seat up to a near-horizontal position, while an adjustable counterweight ensures balance is maintained. A ring set under the seat is grabbed to allow swivel with feet off the ground. With such control, the sitter is free to explore their own night sky much like a telescope.
I am no doubt biased, but using the chair has transformed my naked eye stargazing experience. Its persistent place in the garden, easy control, and comfortable seating position entices me to go outside early evening and watch the stars for a few moments. I've made a habit of tracking planes or satellites across the sky with one hand on an altitude handle and the other hand on the azimuth ring, simply because it is fun! If I wish to view the moon, I orient myself to it, let go, and the chair remains in place as I observe or traverse inner thoughts.
Exhibiting the chair at New Designers, it became clear there is interest in such a unique object within the premium outdoor furniture market, yet this premium exclusivity does not sit right with me given the humble origins of the Dobsonian telescope and its accessible, affordable design philosophy. An avenue I am considering is publishing plans for a simplified version (or versions) of the chair which anyone with basic DIY skills and tools could construct, adapt, and improve, in a similar vein to the Dobsonian. I wish for others to experience using the chair, evolving the typology further for all who wish to spend the time constructing one. I'm wondering if anyone in this community would find interest in such a DIY project?
I've attached a PDF overview of the project for those curious, which delves deeper into the process of designing and prototyping the chair. I'd lastly like to thank the Stargazers Lounge community for the conversations had early on, which undeniably acted as the bedrock for the project's narrative. Questions, comments or feedback is welcomed!
Jamie
Stargazers Project Overview.pdf